15.032024August 8, 2024
€125 million invested into animal-free innovations

€125 million invested into animal-free innovations

By In International News

The Dutch National Growth Fund will invest 124.5 million euros in a new centre for animal-free biomedical testing. Of this investment, 55 million euros are awarded directly and 69.5 million euros are granted subject to conditions. Known as the Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation, its aim is to generate safer, more effective treatments, while reducing animal suffering.

The Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (CPBT) will use this funding from the National Growth Funds (NGF) to accelerate the transition to animal-free biomedical innovations. This will offer economic and social benefits with improved medicines and less animal testing.

26.022024February 27, 2024
Replacing Botox testing to reduce severe suffering

Replacing Botox testing to reduce severe suffering

By In Botox

Botulinum toxin (Bt) is a neurotoxin which induces muscle paralysis by blocking neurotransmitters. Bt is used for treating medical conditions (such as migraines and lazy eye), and in cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

The manufacture of Bt products is approved for medical purposes – and the use of animals in testing procedures is authorised for that reason. However, huge numbers of practitioners use them “off-label” for aesthetic treatments. “Off-label use” is known to be widespread, but it is not known what percentage is used for cosmetic versus medical applications. Indeed, there has been a documented surge in demand for Bt-based products within the cosmetic industry. In 2022, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimated over 9 million “Botox” treatments were administered, a global increase of 26.1% compared to 7 million in 2021.

As Bt is a biological product, the potency of each batch needs to be tested and assured before it can be used in humans. The standard method, an LD50 assay using mice, determines the lethal dose that kills 50% of test animals. The increasing demand of Bt products has involved large numbers of animals undergoing ‘severe’ procedures.

20.022024February 27, 2024
Temporary experiment ban at French primatology center

Temporary experiment ban at French primatology center

By In International News, Primate Experiments

Pro Anima Scientific Committee has been working for more than 30 years to accelerate the transition to non-animal research for the benefit of our health.

At the request of the Pro Anima Scientific Committee association, the Administrative Court of Strasbourg, by judgment of January 30, 2024, deliberated in favor of the cessation of the activities of the primatology center of the University of Strasbourg (UNISTRA) due to possible risks of environmental contamination.

Since the very beginning of this case, the Pro Anima Scientific Committee has been concerned about the multiple risks linked to experimentation on non-human primates, which could cause health problems and risks for the environment.

To this end, the Committee asked the Huglo-Lepage advocate firm to take charge of this file.

On January 30, 2024 and after several years of proceedings, the Court ruled in favor of stopping the center’s activity, with immediate effect.

14.022024February 20, 2024
Mini Hearts Project at the University of Nottingham

Mini Hearts Project at the University of Nottingham

By In International News

Animal Free Research UK and the Biodiscovery Institute at the University of Nottingham have teamed up to develop cutting edge human stem-cell technology to combat cardiac fibrosis – a major cause of heart failure in the UK affecting 900,000 people annually.

Dubbed the Mini Hearts Project, the research is being led by Professor Chris Denning and his team who are combining latest human-based lab technologies to understand how genetics and drugs interplay to create effective treatments for patients.

23.012024January 24, 2024
More than 90,000 animals used in Irish laboratories

More than 90,000 animals used in Irish laboratories

By In Botox, Irish Animal Statistics, Irish Examiner

More than 90,000 animals were used for testing in Irish laboratories in 2022, according to the latest figures from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). The study comes as animal rights groups continue to call for alternative ways to test medicines. In its annual report, the HPRA said mice were the most commonly used species for tests, at 72%, while rats, pigs, and sheep were also experimented on. The total number of uses of animals in testing overall was 92,939, while some animals were tested on more than once.

09.012024January 9, 2024
Charles River’s plan for massive monkey prison

Charles River’s plan for massive monkey prison

By In Charles River, Primate Experiments

PETA has uncovered a scheme by Charles River Laboratories, the largest importer of monkeys used for laboratory experiments, to build the biggest monkey-holding facility in the history of the U.S., targeting 500 acres of ecologically sensitive land in Texas. The company is going ahead with the proposal despite the objections of local residents and representatives.

19.122023December 19, 2023
93,000 animals used in experiments last year

93,000 animals used in experiments last year

By In Irish Animal Statistics, Irish Mirror

Dogs, cats and rabbits were among almost 93,000 animals used for research and scientific experiments in Ireland last year, according to newly released figures. It represents a decrease of over 23 per cent compared to 2021. However, there was a notable rise in the number of dogs, cats, rabbits and horses used in lab tests last year. The most frequently used animals in 2022 were mice, around 50,000 of which are understood to have been used in lethal experiments intended to test the strength of cosmetic botox.

18.122023December 18, 2023
2022 Statistical Report for Animal Experiments

2022 Statistical Report for Animal Experiments

By In Irish Animal Statistics

The IAVS condemns the grim toll of almost 93,000 animals in Irish vivisection labs during 2022. The figures only count experiments that are likely to cause the animals pain, distress, suffering and lasting harm. Almost all the animals die during or are killed after the tests, even when they could be rehomed.